Tommy was battling hard against early evening rush hour traffic but to night of all nights there was an urgency to get home as quickly as possible because tonight his life long friend Sammy was being waked in his own home. On arrival at Sammy's proceedings were in full swing with the windows flung open the merriment from within could be heard from the bottom of the street. This is what he expected because his friend was a larger than life character and he knew that the many many incidents in which Sammy was the central focal point were being relayed over and over again, much to the amusement of those present.
When Tommy entered the house his immediate plan was to go and commiserate with the widow and say his last farewell to his friend. On entering the bedroom he was shocked to see his old friend laid out on the floor but being the gentleman that he is he offered his condolences with heartfelt sympathy and without any condemnation in his voice. After a time he felt confident enough to raise the matter without causing offence or upset to a woman already anguished by her tragic loss.
While I'm here, he offered would you like to lay Sam out on the bed instead of on the floor. The widow explained that there were relatives staying over and they would be using the bed. Well then asked Tom do you want me to lay him out on the kitchen table? No said the widow the table is in use, it has all the sandwiches and drink on it.
Thinking quickly on his feet Tom suggested to keep Sam in the room but get 3 chairs from down stairs, one for his head one for his feet and the third to support the small of Sams back and covered with a white sheet it would look very well indeed. The widow jumped at the idea so Tom went out to the top of the stairs and called down.